wrote:

Anyone has any thoughts on the problems associated with open fireplaces?

The main adverse criticsm is that an open fire place is a very
inefficient way of heating a room

Only inefficient if you don't have enough wood to burn !
most rural and semi rural properties have plenty close by.
I am also getting very tired of The Wowser brigade telling us all what we can,
and can not do without feeling guilty.
Throw another log on the fire, enjoy yourself, stuff the Wowsers.